Feb 21, 2018

PANTONE Color of the Year: Ultra Violet

Hello friends! This is Ping here to tell you all about the 2018 Color of the Year, PANTONE 18-3838—also known as: Ultra Violet!

Different shades of purple offer varying symbolic inferences, from royal garments to meditation, but I think Ultra Violet is especially cool because of its versatility and deep meaning. Not quite sure what I’m getting at? Keep reading!

Why Ultra Violet?

I think we all agree purple is a cool color, but why was it chosen for Color of the Year?

The Pantone Color Institute chooses the Color of the Year based on global trends and the psychology of color. This forecasting “provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design.” Because Ultra Violet is so closely associated with ingenuity and imagination, this color really speaks to designers throughout the creative industry.

PANTONE describes the color as representative of the universe and the “intrigue of what lies ahead”. Throughout history, purple has evoked mindfulness and spirituality, and many companies use the color in meeting spaces to “inspire connection”. NPR suggested the color represents the bipartisan blending of red and blue, Republican and Democrat. “It’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” suggested Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

This color is even popular in food purple fruits and vegetables (eggplants, figs, purple potatoes, cabbage) that are currently “trending” for their many health benefits!

Ultra Violet and The Icebox

Here at The Icebox, we relate well to the countercultural and unconventional nature of the hue popularized by Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix as a “personal expression of individuality”. Adding this color to your branding and promotional products, even in a minor way, will add a sense of depth, interest, and introspection to your company swag.

Another cool quality of Ultra Violet is how it easily combines with other colors; pair it with metallic to appear luxurious or with greens for an earthy tone. Who knew purple could be so versatile? If you need more ideas, PANTONE provided eight color palettes for experimentation in design.

I also love this color for 2018, because it’s “symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world outside our own”. It even conveys originality and visionary thinking for the future. If a color can bring us together, this penguin is a major fan.

The experts at PANTONE say that forward-thinking companies are using shades of Ultra Violet throughout their marketing, and we think you should try it too! Questions? Contact our team of Creative Experts today.